Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)

The opening section delivers sharp comic duets and deadpan direction, but the film loses momentum and becomes self-satisfied. It fails to sustain its initial cleverness or willingness to take real risks in the black comedy genre.

The review calls the film a real oddity and genre-hopper that succeeds admirably as a risk-taker, highlighting the clever script with ironic witticisms, attractive leads, taut direction that avoids gratuitous violence, and the nostalgic 80s soundtrack. It concludes that the result is one of the smartest, most original studio offerings in a long while and is hugely recommended.

A wild, anarchic comedy follows a hit man to his reunion with darkly playful energy and consistently surprising incidents. Director Armitage and the Cusack-led ensemble keep the comic attitude intact amid the mayhem.

The critic praises the film's disarming coolness and sparkling comedy, noting its fluid feel and complex issues beneath a typical Hollywood redemption story. They single out the witty script, strong character and emotion, poignant and darkly funny scenes reconciling past and present, Armitage's direction, and the imaginative use of the 1980s soundtrack.

The film cleverly pairs a hit man's high school reunion with his personal identity crisis, making the premise human and endearing through Cusack's performance. It maintains a jaunty, winsome tone with strong support from the cast.

The critic finds this hip black comedy a droll study of the modern American male's neuroses, with Cusack engaging and ironic as the hitman seeking meaning at his high school reunion.

The film is hip and absurd without being cloying, succeeding as a romantic comedy with charming leads and vivid supporting turns. Armitage's direction keeps the tone consistent despite the outlandish premise.